Hybrids or Blades for a Beginner?

[ktm7385]

Got back into golf a couple months ago after not having played since I was a teen(35 now). Started off with an old set of Dunlop blades but was recently given an old set of hybrids. With my blades, there was no difference for me from 4 thru 7. They all went roughly 150 yards, with slightly more control on my 7. Since switching to the hybrids, I'm more like 180-190 with the 4, 170-180 with the 5, etc., etc. Almost all straight as well. My question is, am I doing my self a disservice by learning the game with hybrids? I know blades offer more control and while I'm not there yet (straight is just fine for now, thank you), someday I hope to be. Any opinions?

[MI Rob]

I must say the hybrids will probably be easier and better for you to hit. The blades are going to have a much smaller sweet spot. Personal preference really.

[denver_nuggs_15]

Go with the hybrids without a doubt. They are by far easier to hit than blades. While blades do offer more control, I'm not sure that anyone who is not in the single digit HI range can benefit from it. Plus, if all of your shots with your blades go about the same distance, you need something different.

Hybrids will serve you better.

[Zeph]

Go with hybrids or a cavityback set at this point. You'll progress in time, there is no need to force yourself to get better at this point. I find that there are lots of differences from hybrids to irons, even cavitybacks, you may want to have irons too.

Today I've got two hybrids which I replace 4 and 5 iron with, but I would preferably play with irons only. All of the other fairway clubs are irons, the better and more consistent I get with one type of club, the better I'll score.

[SasQuatch<3]

Blades have a smaller sweet spot and are harder to hit as well... There made more for "feedback" when you hit the ball so a player can specifically tune his/her swing to benefit them the best. You can also control the ball a lot better.
Go for the Hybrids! i was looking at something for myself along the lines of maybe the cleavlend hybrids, really nice! They have a much bigger sweet spot and are a lot easier to swing! with a bit more weight and they make a nice sound when you hit them! Im not alow-handicapper yet so im switching to hybrids, my blades are hard to make good shots and they give way to much feedback as of right now!
-Good Luck!

[glebert]

Play the hybrids, but keep the blades and practice with them from time to time. They will tell you the truth.

[ks8829]

Play the hybrids but practice chipping with your blades and your improve your ball striking skills.

[David in FL]

Do you want to enjoy the game, score better, and maybe take some money from your buddies? Or would you rather fight your equipment, hit poor shots, and lose money to your buddies?

If the former, play the hybrids. If the latter, go with the blades.

[GaijinGolfer]

Hybrids. No sense in making this game any harder than it already is.

[Zeph]

Hybrids. No sense in making this game any harder than it already is.

At least not until you've become good enough to think you need blades eh?

[wedge player]

Play the hybrids but practice chipping with your blades and your improve your ball striking skills.

i agree totally always play with your hybrids and wen you go to range use blades theywill fine tune your swing

[GaijinGolfer]

At least not until you've become good enough to think you need blades eh?

LOL...yup!

Considering how many tour players are now using GI irons, I dont think there is a point where you, "need" blades. To each their own though. If someone wants blades, more power to 'em.

[Dub]

Do you want to enjoy the game, score better, and maybe take some money from your buddies? Or would you rather fight your equipment, hit poor shots, and lose money to your buddies?

Well said!!!!

[Stacey_E]

I'd say try this...

Play 9 holes with your hybrids, and if your course allows go back and play the same 9 holes with your blades. Then look at the scorecard. Your answer shall be revealed....

If you already have some blades, keep them. When you are working on swing changes go to the range one day with just the 7 iron blade and nothing else. At the end of the session you will be able to feel what a slice, hook, fade, draw and knockdown shot feels exactly like. You will also feel what fat shots, thin shots, whiffs.....well you get the idea.

Good Luck!